Portfolio of Studio Work
Sarah F. Gordon Ball State University
College of Architecture & Planning Department of Landscape Architecture MLA Second Year
Portfolio of Studio Work
Sarah F. Gordon
Table of Contents 4
Woodland Waters Development Community Design
6
Prairie Creek Reservoir Park Design Parks & Open Space Design
8
Harrison Street Market Site Scale Design
12
Hillside Residential Grading Stormwater Management
16
Topography Workshop 3D Modeling
20
Strange Contraption AutoCAD & Hand Graphics
24
Selected Sketches Studio Practice
WOODLAND WATERS DEVELOPMENT
Aerial Imagery of the Site, Fishers, IN
Woodland Waters is a development design proposed for the city of Fishers, IN. The design features two housing types - lower density with single family cottages (indicated in yellow on the plan) and higher density with side-by-side and stacked duplexes (in orange). All houses have direct access to 6’ sidewalks that encircle the development. To promote a healthy and active lifestyle, the development features a fitness trail along the perimeter for active recreation and a low-impact trail through the wooded area for passive recreation. The five bioretention areas along the edges of the site are for capturing stormwater. The axon diagram to the right breaks down the various components and features of the master plan, including the housing types and parcels, the pedestrian and vehicular circulation routes, the stormwater management, and the outdoor green spaces. The section perspective below illustrates the character of the development, showcasing the housing typologies and residents’ direct access to the fitness trails and hiking trail. The bioretention and trees also provides aesthetics to the neighborhood.
4
0
30
60
12 0
24 0
Housing Typologies
feet
SITE MASTER PLAN
24 0
feet
SOUTHEASTERN PARKWAY
feet
0
30
60
12 0
Circulation
0
30
60
Green Areas
12 0
24 0
feet
0
30
60
12 0
24 0
Bioretention Zones
Parcels
Axon-Diagram of the Development Layers
N 113TH STREET
Section Elevation Illustrating the Development Character
Development Master Plan
MASTER PLAN DESCRIPTION
0
60
120
240 feet
The design features two housing types - lower density with single family cottages (indi-
PRAIRIE CREEK RESERVOIR PARK DESIGN
Photograph of Prairie Creek Reservoir, 02.04.2024
This project served as a challenging endeavor in unifying four distinct design objectives into a cohesive and viable design, set in a park space in Muncie, IN. The selection of site programs and essential features were determined through a random process. My final selection included Kite Flying and Glamping for recreational activities and Forestry Cycles and Pollinator Habitats for ecological elements. The primary aim was to optimize and seamlessly integrate each randomly assigned component, ensuring all of the design objectives were evenly addressed. To achieve this, my design process encompassed diagramming the relationships among the diverse design programs, creating character sketches, and developing a hand-rendered master plan that encapsulated the ultimate design concept. 6
GLAMPING RECREATION
ENTRANCE
POLLINATOR
EC O
GLAMPING AMENITIES
PARK STORE
LO
GLAMPING SITES
GIE S
RE
E
OPEN SPACE FOR KITE FLYING
VISITOR PARKING
-T FO REST FER BUF
GENERAL PARK RECREATION
Design Concept Ideal Diagram
Above: Section Sketch of Kite Flying Activity Right: Hand-Rendered Master Plan
HARRISON STREET MARKET DESIGN
This site-scale initiative aimed to inject vitality and a fresh identity into the downtown area of the rural town of Alexandria, IN. The focal point of the project was the introduction of a new business incubator, offering rental spaces to budding entrepreneurs, thus providing a launchpad for their ventures. The site design also incorporates a vibrant community green space, complete with a stage, a lawn for seating, an inviting promenade adorned with small business shops, a two-stall restroom facility, and a dedicated food truck zone catering to local vendors. Executing a master plan design, I utilized AutoCAD line work to construct a digital 3D model using Rhino 7 software. From this model, I created a section elevation and perspective imagery, capturing the essence of the envisioned design. Sarah Gordon LA603 Fall 2023
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS COMMERCIAL LOTS
DESIGN CONCEPT 1.0
COMMERCIAL LOTS
RESIDENTIAL LOTS
RE
3
LP 872.36
LP 872.36
ALLEY
872.5
ALLEY
ALLEY
87
SIDEWALK
3
N HARRISON ST
87
SIDEWALK
SIDEWALK
N HARRISON ST
WA TER FL OW
ECTION IR D
SIDEWALK
PARCEL LINES
872.5
MANHOLE COVER
MANHOLE COVE
SUN PATH
COMMERCIAL LOTS
8
FUTURE ALEXANDRIA BUSINESS INCUBATOR SITE (0.3 acres) 217 N HARRISON ST, ALEXANDRIA, IN 46001
0
16
32
48 feet
Site Inventory & Analysis SCALE: 1"=16'-0"
CO
FUTURE ALEXANDRIA BUSINESS INCUBATOR SITE (0.3 acres) 217 N HARRISON ST, ALEXANDRIA, IN 46001
0
16
32
Early Design Concept SCALE: 1"=16'-0"
Harrison Street Market Master Plan Sarah Gordon LA603 Fall 2023
HARRISON STREET MARKET DESIGN - MASTER PLAN
87
3
LP 871.30
Two-Stall Restroom RIM 872.50 IE OUT 871.50
87
Market Gateway Signage
Food Truck/ Multi-Purpose Space
3
87
Bioretention
HP 873.80
HP 873.80
Lawn
ALLEY
12’ Wide Promenade
3
SIDEWALK
LP 872.50
10x12’ Shed
2
Streetside Area for 12x24’ Occupant
87
N HARRISON ST
12x24’ Shed
Stage
LP 871.20
LP 872.30
2
87 3
87
3
87
LP 872.50 Permeable Pavers
Streetside Area for 12x24’ Occupant
872.5
Concrete
MANHOLE COVER IE IN 869.93
Access to Parking Lot 873
FUTURE ALEXANDRIA BUSINESS INCUBATOR SITE (0.3 acres) 217 N HARRISON ST, ALEXANDRIA, IN 46001
0
16
32
48 feet
SCALE: 1"=16'-0"
9
Section Elevation Sarah Gordon LA603 Fall 2023
HARRISON STREET MARKET DESIGN - SECTION PERSPECTIVE
N Harrison Street
Bioretenetion & Gateway Signage
Alley
12x24’ Shed
Section Perspective from West to East through the middle of the site.
10x12’ Sheds
Stage
0
8
12
Two Stall Restroom
24
Food Truck/ Multi-Purpose Space
48 feet
Section Elevation, Rendered from a 3D Rhino Model 10
Perspectives
Streetside view from N Harrison St. looking toward the stage.
View looking down the south promenade, toward the parking lot.
View looking down the north promenade.
View as you enter the Marker from the parking lot on the southeast corner .
11
HILLSIDE RESIDENTIAL GRADING PROJECT
Laser-cut 3D Model of Grading Plan
This project utilized Low-Impact Development (LID) Strategies to grade the site for stormwater management. The design features a large swale, bioretention plantings, and check dams to slow down and capture runoff before it leaves the site. Retaining walls along the western side of the property were used to minimize disturbance and preserve the existing trees. I also conducted two earth volume estimates, utilizing the contour method and the grid method to calculate cut-and-fill required for the design. To better understand and represent the proposed grading, I also constructed a laser-cut 3D model. 12
Mixed Maple-Beech Species
Sarah Gordon
Grading Plan Sugar Maple (24" dia.)
Property Line (typ.)
75
753
Drawn by
Grading Plan
753
752
6 747 746
748 749
750
1.0%
753
754
74
3.12%
2
750
3
Course
9% 4.8
TW/BW 745.25
750
Mixed Maple-Beech Species
742
LP 741.80 HP 742.50
5
LA211 Engineering 1
755
756
2.5%
753
7
758
75
75
0%
754
74
4
TW 753.50 BW 753.20 American Beech (21" dia.)
TW/BW 745.25 74 5
LP 742.80
74
BW 756.25
Mixed Maple-Beech Species
TW/BW 751.50
TW/BW 746.50
Flower Garden Areas
743
TW 751.20 BW 748.80
4 74 5
TW 759.35
SLP 752.50
750
TW 759.55 8 75 BW 757.90
TW 753.40 BW 753.10
755
760 761
762
1.
LP 752.70
744
74
Vegetable Garden Area
HP 753.25
=
LP 743.80
TW/BW 746.50 751
CB#1 Rim 751.29
TW/BW 747.50
74
9
TS 759.75
75
0
76
2.5%
3.02% 2.72%
TW 758.80 TW 758.45
TW/BW 751.50
oad
BS 756.75
761
Mixed Maple-Beech Species 60
754 753
3.78%
744
745
755
745
750
746
756
BW 756.75
FFE 757.25
757.79
SHP 754.50
CB#2 Rim 751.29
TW/BW 749.50
LP 744.80
TW/BW 747.50
749
Paved Sidewalk
Brick Porch
745
8
746 745
757.55 7%
7 75
758.15
757
2.0
6
Garden Shed
757.79
757.79
TW 756.80 BW 756.50 75
762
Main Entry
1
750
7 75
4.64%
1.0%
75
74
757
758.29
757.79 Paved Patio
758
TW 760.50
758.21
757.79
757.79
759
756.79 6 LP 755.85 HP 756.35
75
No curb where apron meets road
Concrete Driveway Apron
752
IE OUT 747.10
747
752.65
1.0%
752.55
TW 752.10
TW 753.90
5.0%
753.05
746
TW/BW 761.50 764.60
Screened Porch 757.50
756.79
Residence FFE 758.29
HP 755.25
% 6.25
Two 12" DIA. Reinforced Concrete Culvert Pipes
747
TW 760.50 Thornless BW 759.50 Honeylocust (18" dia.)
759
758.23
758.29
7%
753.54
753.93 % 3.32 753
752.37
748
TW 760.50 BW 759.50
757.50
TW 752.25
3%
Curb tapers to 0" (typ.)
754
749
758
Garage FFE 757.29
757.79
SHP 756.75
7
756.79
5
TW 752.50 BW 752.35
% 4.89
0.5%
7.4
LP 754.90
75
IE IN 747.90
748
Paved Driveway 6.7
755
758
0
757.79
755.90
756.84
Stone Path
757
TW 756.90 BW 756.85 75
756.84
Concrete Stoop
HP 754.75
755.20
755
ide R
76
756.39
7
756.39
Basketball and Guest Parking
6" Concrete Curb (typ.)
Hills
9
2.5%
56
Retaining Wall (typ.)
756.39
5 754
75
3.0
Recreation Area
TW 760.50
7
755.94
75
8
5%
6
75
LP 754.80
754
2.5%
75
75
6
7
5
75
TW 757.50 BW 757.10
4.91%
HP 755.35
755
5 75
BW 756.50
TW 752.85 BW 752.50 5.03% 752 751 SLP 753 751.50 750 TW 753.65 BW 753.45 749
TW 757.10 BW 753.25
5 75
Mixed Maple-Beech Species TW 760.65
TW 760.50
0
76
TW 760.50
TW 760.50
Swale flow 74N 5 releases onto Scale: 1"=20' neighbor's property 0 5 10 20
Topo Model Boundary (dotted line, typ.)
13
755 75
5
Curb tapers to 0" (typ.)
760
oad ide R Hills
No curb where apron meets road
Concrete Driveway Apron
Retaining Wall (typ.)
CB#2 Rim 751.29 Residence FFE 758.29
Screened
CB#1 Rim 751.29
Thornless Honeylocust (18" dia.) 750
764.60 750
755
Swale flow releases onto neighbor's property
5 74
750
Maple-Beech Species
--28.91 641.99 742.92 3538.82 4025.02 4043.06 4064.78 4049.29 3298.33 2188.21 1314.04 658.32 212.09 56.87 --2.03 ---
Volume = (5 6A1 + A2 + A3 + A4 +... 5 6An) i
American Beech (21" dia.)
7
62.26 139.04 204.05 212.32 137.01 61.95 359.65 315.99 232.88 210.99 90.27
Area (sf)
762 761 760 759 758 757 756 755 754 753 752 751 750 749 748 747 746 745 744 743 742
CUT Calculations
Mixed Maple-Beech Species Mixed Maple-Beech Species 60
62.09 339.58 863.60 2892.04 4993.19 6209.92 3298.47 1087.87 535.47 351.20
74
Volume = (5 6(62.09) +339.58+863.60+2892.04+4993.19+6209.92+3298.47+1087.873+535.47+ 351.20+62.26+139.04+204.05+212.32+137.01+61.95+359.65+315.99+232.88+210.99+ 5 6(90.27)) i
5
Topo Model Boundary (dotted line, typ.)
Date
5
75
6" Concrete Curb (typ.)
Mixed Maple-Beech Species
Contour #
Area (sf)
Drawn by
Sugar Maple (24" dia.)
Gross area in fill: 28,864.68 sq ft
Contour #
Earth Volume Estimation - CONTOUR METHOD
Mixed Maple-Beech Species Property Line (typ.)
Gross area in cut: 22,659.84 sq ft
04.27.2023
FILL
CUT
762 761 760 759 758 757 756 755 754 753 752 751 750 749 748 747 746 745 744 743 742
Sarah Gordon
Earth Volume Estimations
740
Volume = (51.74sf + 22,507.48sf + 72.23sf) x 1** Volume = 22,631.45cf / 27 = 838.20 CY CUT
10 20
40
Course
0
FILL Calculations
Project number
N Scale: 1"=40'
Volume = (5 6A1 + A2 + A3 + A4 +... 5 6An) i
Volume = 28,859.52cf / 27 = 1,068.87 CY FILL **Multiplying sf by the 1ft contour interval results in cf because it is simply adding 1ft of depth to sf.
14
Contour Method with a Cut-and-Fill Graphic
Project 3
Volume = (24.09sf + 28,833.74sf + 1.69sf) x 1**
LA211 Engineering 1
Volume = (5 6(28.91) +641.99+742.92+3538.82+4025.02+4043.06+4064.78+4049.29+ 3298.33+2188.21+1314.04+658.32+212.09+56.87+ 5 6(2.03)) i
Sarah Gordon FFE 758.29 ft. Crawl Space Depth = 4 ft. Excavation Elevation = 754.29 ft.
1
Ʃa's = (-2.56) + (-1.81) + (-2.41) + (-1.66) = -8.44 Volume = (-8.44 / 4) x 54.86 sq ft = -115.75 cf
2
Ʃa's = (-2.21) + (-1.56) + (-1.66) + (-1.01) = -8.65 Volume = (-8.65 / 4) x 136.37 sq ft = -294.90 cf
3
Ʃa's = (-2.41) + (-0.66) + (-2.31) + 0.24 = -5.14 Volume = (-5.14 / 4) x 1112.65 sq ft = -1429.76 cf
4
Ʃa's = 0.04 + 0.79 + 0.24 + 1.14 = 2.21 Volume = (2.21 / 4) x 161.56 sq ft = 89.26 cf
5
Ʃa's = (-1.31) + 0.64 + (-1.56) + 0.74 = -1.49 Volume = (-1.49 / 4) x 926.94 sq ft = -345.29 cf
6
Ʃa's = 0.64 + 1.14 + 0.69 + 1.19 = 3.66 Volume = (3.66 / 4) x 25.93 sq ft = 21.71 cf
7
Ʃa's = 1.39 + 1.30 + 0.74 + 1.31 = 4.74 Volume = (4.74 / 4) x 44.44 sq ft = 62.40 cf
8
Ʃa's = 0.74 + 1.39 + 0.69 + 1.44 = 4.26 Volume = (4.26 / 4) x 79.93 sq ft = 85.13 cf
9
Ʃa's = 0.69 + 1.34 + 0.74 + 1.39 = 4.16 Volume = (4.16 / 4) x 44.16 sq ft = 45.93 cf
Drawn by
Volume = ((Ʃa's + 2Ʃb's + 3Ʃc's + 4Ʃd's) / 4) x (Area of a Single Grid Square)
756.50
755.85
756.85
Earth Volume Estimation - GRID METHOD
5
75
2
754.95 756.85 (-2.56)
756.10 (-1.81)
753.50
756.70 (-2.41)
755.95 (-1.66)
756.50 (-2.21)
755.85 (-1.56)
753.65 (+0.64)
755.60 (-1.31)
1
4
756.60
6
5
753.10
2
752.98
5
7
752.90
754.95 (-0.66)
756.70 (-2.41)
8 9
755.30 (-1.01)
755.95 (-1.66)
752.85
755.85 (-1.56)
753.55 (+0.74)
752.90
755.85
753.15 (+1.14)
753.65 (+0.64) 755
756.60 (-2.31)
754.05 (+0.24) 754.25 (+0.04)
N Scale: 1"=30' 0 5
15
754.05 (+0.24)
30
753.15 (+1.14)
753.55 (+0.74)
752.98 (+1.31)
753.60 (+0.69)
752.95 (+1.34)
9
8 753.60 (+0.69)
4
752.90 (+1.39)
753.55 (+0.74)
753.50 (+0.79)
7 753.10 (+1.19)
753.60 (+0.69)
752.99 (+1.30)
752.90 (+1.39)
6
3
752.85 (+1.44)
753.55 (+0.74)
752.90 (+1.39)
TOTAL VOLUME (CU. FT.) -115.75 -294.90 -1429.76 +89.26 -345.29 +21.71 +62.40 +85.13 +45.93
Course
3
= 1881.27 CU.FT. of CUT
LA211 Engineering 1
1
TOTAL VOLUME (CU. YD.) 1881.27 / 27 = 69.68 CU.YD. of CUT
Grid Method
15
TOPOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Clay Topography Model
This project focused on the representation and ground manipulation of topography through a series of clay modeling and drawn graphic imagery. I started by translating an existing topographical drawing three-dimensionally in clay and then altered the clay model’s topography based on added or changed elements. This process consisted of four exercises that moved through interpretation, representation, projection, and translation, and by the end, the original clay model was altered three times. Throughout the workshop, I documented the process through drawings and photographs to observe the transformations of the clay model and to create plans and sections depicting the change in topography. 16
The Process After shaping and forming the topography of the clay model, I used a water measurement process to find the contour lines, which were later used to create the plan drawings for the different iterations of the model. To do this, the clay model is placed in a bin and water is added at every 1/4”. This is because my initial scale for the models was 1/4” = 1’, and the contour lines needed to be 1’ apart. Once the water had settled around the clay, I took a pointed clay tool and marked where the water line rested. I repeated this until the model was fully submerged underwater.
Drawing Contours with Water
Contour Process Photos 17
Topography Workshop First Phase
Model Process Photos
Sarah F. Gordon Fall 2022 LA 601
Model 01
Plan
Model 02
B
Section A-A’
A
C
C’ 69
69
68
68 70
Section B-B’
71
72 73
Section C-C’
74 75
Section D-D’
73
72
76
77
D B’
D’ A’
Scale: 1” = 4’
18
0’
2’
4’
8’
16’
32’
Topography Workshop Final Phase
Model Making Process Photos
Sarah F. Gordon Fall 2022 LA 601
Model 01
Model 02
Model 03
Model 01 Section A-A’
A
70
71
69
70 70
69
68
68
69
72
68
69
69
68
7 70 1
69
68
68
Plan
73 70
+74
Model 02 Section A-A’ 72
71
72 73
71 72
73
71
74 74 76
75
73
75
74
75
73
77
Model 03 Section A-A’
73
76 76
73
72
+78.75
74
78 75
72
+73
74
77
77
75
0 9 71 7 6
72 710 7 69
+75.5
68
A’ Scale: 1” = 10’
0’ 2’ 5’
10’
20’
40’
80’
19
STRANGE CONTRAPTION
Detail of Gate Valve Abstract Analysis, drafted in AutoCAD
This project is an exploration of general methods and techniques in orthographic drawing, measuring and analysis, and design found in the practice of landscape architecture. I examined two devices: an IBC tote and a gate valve. Through the process of researching, sketching, drawing the objects to scale by hand, and diagramming the uses of the objects, I sought to gain an understanding of the objects’ components and how the objects functioned. The project culminated in a series of drawings for a new contraption, formed from other various water collection objects. The contraption is a stand-alone system to harvest rainwater. 20
Hand-Drafted Drawings
Sketch Analysis of Objects
Hand-Drafted Measured Analysis of Objects
AutoCAD Renderings and Diagrammatic Information
0” 6” 12” 20”
40”
22
0” 1” 2”
4”
Above: Abstract Analysis of Objects, drafted in AutoCAD Right: Usage Diagrams of Objects, combination of hand-rendering and AutoCAD, laid out in Adobe Photoshop
New Contraption Drawings
In the final iteration of the project, I designed a new contraption that can function as a stand-alone system meant to harvest, control, and convey stormwater. The combination of 55 gallon water barrels, an IBC tote cage, umbrellas, PVC piping, ball valve and hose form the new strange contraption called the ‘Umbarrel Water Collection System.’ The final set of drawings were hand-drafted, featuring a plan, section, elevation, and diagrammatic drawings depicting how the system works.
Hand-Drafted Plan, Section, and Elevation of Contraption
Hand-Drafted Diagram of Contraption
SELECTED SKETCHES
Prayer Plant Sketch, silkscreen print, 2024
My entire studio practice is derived from going outside and studying the landscape and nature through sketches, photography, and various art processes. The following imagery are silkscreen prints and sketches selected from field studies and my studio sketchbook.
24
Goldenrod Study, ink sketch, 10.02.2022
Maple Tree Study, pencil sketch, 10.11.2022
Mini Rubber Tree Plant, color pencil sketch, 9.28.2023 25
26
Above: Cooper Farm Wetland, Muncie, IN, ink sketch, 10.02.2022 Right: Jade Plant Sketch, silkscreen print, 2024
27